For 64 athletes that gathered in the Library Board Room at Sierra College Wednesday to being recognized for their commitments to four-year universities, first-year athletic Director Lucas Moosman said the message is clear about their student-athletes.

To see them succeed as individuals.

“We’re here because we believe in the system," said Moosman. "That the college and what Sierra College provides for those student athletes and helping them building their lives athletically and academically.

“To see all those folks from our programs move on, that’s a special thing and it’s nice to see them all in one room. We meet them individually, but to see them all together in one group, it puts it into focus on how special it is.”

For coaches, it's exciting to see their players going on to the next level.

“it feels really good,” said Wolverine head coach Ben Noonan. “That’s the goal, it’s what Junior College is all about, it’s a stepping stone to move these guys on to the next level.”

Of 22 sophomores that Noonan had in the program last year, 19 received scholarships for the next level.

One of them is Austin Wyatt-Thayer, a San Diego State commit to play Linebacker for the Aztecs, had 80 tackles and one sack in eight games for Sierra during his sophomore campaign.

“It’s been something I’ve been looking forward to my whole life,” said Wyatt-Thayer. “It’s been something I’ve been working towards putting in a lot of hard work. It’s really exciting.”

As for Taylor Donnot, a Del Oro graduate, overcame some hurdles to get a scholarship to NCAA Division-II Dominican University in San Rafael crediting those around her for her success at Sierra.

“It’s more surreal than anything,” said Donnot. “Now looking back, literally four years ago I never would’ve had thought 60 pounds heavier, 18 years old. This has been an opportunity of a life time.

“The support from my coach and Matt (Folsom) and Nancy, the support team here is given me the faith in myself that it’s made me who I am. It made me fight 100-percent, it’s just one thing after another that not just broke me down, but built me up.”

Donnot said her motivation for 2015 was former Wolverine basketball player Sasha Brown, who’s fight on the court motivated Donnot to play with a fiery passion that helped her get where she is today.

“It was not one thing that really brought it in for me,” she said. “It was everything added up, that has made this experience the best experience of my life.”

All in all, the confidence that these young student-athletes will succeed at the next level.

Below is the list of Sierra College student-athletes who are playing at the next level. If you like to submit any corrections, let 65 Sports know at pc65sports@gmail.com!